Editorial: DDA has right idea for Bell Tower Market, but tall order

Now that John and Mary Kuhl have said goodbye to customers, the question is: What should happen to the property they leave behind?

Enter the Jackson Downtown Development Authority.

The DDA last week looked at whether to buy the now-vacant Bell Tower Market. There are powerful arguments why it should, starting with the value to downtown in keeping this property in use. Somewhat surprisingly, DDA officials are not blanching at a purchase price that could easily top $200,000. They are more uncertain about how to run it.

There are options. There is an existing farmers market, plus the possibility of luring the Green Market from Allegiance Health. They need to develop a viable business plan before making a decision.

For now, we encourage the DDA to look seriously at this opportunity. If it can’t run the market, someone should.